Despite the global recession, Scotch whisky exports to the rest of the world were worth more than $2.8 billion in the first half of the year. But it might not be because of financial woes that more people are drinking up.

The banking crisis, housing bubble and other financial meltdowns have caused our economy to spiral downward. But Fortune Magazine's Allan Sloan says it's the political acrimony now that's dragging down the economy.

In 2009, the Home Affordable Refinance Program was put into action to allow around 5 million homeowners to refinance. Now, only a fraction of those have been helped and the program is falling below expectations.